By Barth Ozah
Birthday bash could be exciting when there are lots of achievements to recount. Such was the case on the 19th June, 2023 when the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori marked his diamond jubilee.
Apart from the eating and dining that heralded the epic celebration, another features of the ceremony was goodwill messages from notable personalities.
One of those eulogies that really sank deep was that which was delivered by, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the former Delta state governor. It revealed the true identity of the governor and the celebrant.
With humor Uduaghan retorted; “I was 60 when I was in the office as the governor, the immediate past governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa celebrated 60 years in office, and now Oborevwori is in office marking 60th birthday, so if you want to be governor just be at 60.
“I was directed by God to support Oborevwori’s aspiration to become the governor. When I started holding meetings to rally support for him, I thought the then governor Ifeanyi Okowa will not be happy because I didn’t inform him of my intention. But immediately he heard of my moves he was happy and he called me to thank me and that was how we all keyed in the project. Today, I feel fulfilled that i obeyed God’s injunction to support Oborevwori. Just hold on to God in prayers you will serve your term complete.” Uduaghan admonished Oborevwori.
Continuing; “the very first time I had real contact with Oborevwori was when I was asked to mediate between him and Hon. Efe Afe in the lead up to 2011 general elections. The party wanted a seamless and rancour free primary in the area hence, I was directed by the former governor James Ibori to mediate between the two aspirants to Okpe state constituency – Oborevwori and Efe Afe.
“It was a difficult decision. I met the two aspirants I pleaded with them for one to willingly step down for another but while I was making my case Oborevwori whole heartedly accepted to step down for him. That was how Efe became the candidate. Today, Oborevwori is now the Delta state governor.”